'Rest in Peace': Tributes paid following passing of popular Tipperary publican

Tributes paid to popular Nenagh publican Michael ‘The Rabbit’ Ryan

Tributes have been paid locally and online following the passing of popular local publican Michael ‘The Rabbit’ Ryan.

Michael was the proprietor of the popular Nenagh establishment ‘The 44’ until he fell ill in recent years.

Local GAA club Nenagh Éire Óg paid tribute to him online saying: “We extend our sympathies to the family of Michael ‘Rabbit’ Ryan who sadly passed away today.

“Rabbit, as he was known to us all, was a lifelong member and diehard supporter of Nenagh Éire Óg. From attending the games to being part and parcel of the post match analysis/celebrations/post mortems, Rabbit’s quick wit and great sense of humour and fun will never be forgotten and he will be sadly missed by all in Nenagh Éire Óg.”

Local councillor Seamus Morris, echoed these sentiments with his own:

“He was put on this earth to entertain us and bye God did he entertain us all particularly after his beloved Nenagh Eire Og bowed out of yet another championship .(not before telling the managers where they went wrong) I can honestly say he was unique.

“He will be an awful loss to us here in Nenagh .”

Michael’s funeral mass was held in St. Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh last Friday 23 June.

Michael’s sister Chris and his niece Katie spoke following communion about Michael and his life.

Chris said “On leaving school, Michael decided to venture to Dublin to train as a bartender, which he did with success, having been shown how to fill his first pint at the age of ten by his good friend and neighbour Una Powell.

“Some year’s later, our father fell ill and Michael decided to return to Nenagh to join his brother Dennis in running the family fuel business.

“The bar trade seemed to be Michael’s forté and then he began to run The 44 bar until his illness no longer allowed him.

“Everyone that knew Michael knows of his great love of swimming and golf and above all, his love for hurling.

“He was a diligent supporter of the blue and gold but exceptionally fond of the local club Éire Óg. The highlight being when Éire Óg faced Toomevara on the field, then the banter would begin. The forecast, the betting odds and lastly the postmortem, where Éire Óg should have always won.”

After thanking the medical teams responsible for looking after Michael in his final months and weeks, Chris closed her euology saying, “Here’s to a Nenagh legend. Farewell dear friend, we love you.”

Michael is predeceased by his parents John and Ann and his nephew Pearse O’Brien. He is much loved and sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Una (nee Hickey), his sister Chris and Matt O'Brien, brother Denis and Amanda, nieces and nephews Katie, Roisín, Leona, Adrian, Dearbhla and Mikey, aunts Olive Kenny and Nonie Lowry, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Michael’s mass was followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium on Friday.